CES 2016: LG weighs in with two new K Series smartphones

LG is following up its successful L-series smartphones with a new K-Series of affordable smartphones launching this week at CES.

There’s two smartphones – the 4G K10, featuring a 5.3-inch display, and the K7, a 5.0-inch display with 3G and 4G models – in the new series, with a new “glossy pebble” design language that LG says features design cues “borrowed from nature”.

There’s a grippy woven pattern on the back of the phones alongside LG’s near-standard rear-mounted volume and power buttons, while the front of the phone features 2.5D Arc Glass for a “smooth and seamless style”.

LG is bringing some of its high-end camera features and UX to the phones including Gesture Shot and Gesture Interval Shot. Disappointingly, the phones will be launching with Android 5.1 Lollipop and there’s no mention of Marshmallow in the press release.

We’ll be expecting hands-on time with the new phones at LG’s CES booth this week. There’s no word on Australian availability of the phones yet, but we’ll update when we know more.

LG K Series (PRNewsFoto/LG Electronics MobileComm USA)

LG K Series (PRNewsFoto/LG Electronics MobileComm USA)

Update

LG had a little surprise for us an CES Unveiled, in the form of two brand new K-series handsets ready for hands-on reports.

In hand, the phones are actually pretty close to each other physically, with the K10 showing off some smaller bezels to accomodate its larger screen. LG’s long been the master of slimming down bezels on devices, so this isn’t too surprising. the grip texture on the back of the K7 is far more apparent – the K10 seemed to have a far glossier plastic finish than we’d expected.

A quick zoom around the OS showed a software experience that borrows heavily from LG’s high-end phones – to be expected – but the experience of moving around the launcher, settings and notifications area was snappy and lag-free. The specific processors in use in these phones haven’t been revealed yet, but it feels like LG’s put some quality silicon inside and the K7’s 1.5GB RAM didn’t seem a detriment to its responsiveness.

We’re not expecting the cameras on these phones to equal the fantastic camera on LG’s G4 – they’re aimed at a different segment of the market, and there are different sensors in these phones. That being said, the camera UX from the higher-end sibling is making its way to these phones.

Jason Murray Deputy Editor

Before discovering the Nexus One, Jason thought he didn't need a smartphone. Now he can't bear to be without his Android phone. Jason hails from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane depending on his mood and how detailed a history you'd like. A web developer by day with an interest in consumer gadgets and electronics, he also enjoys reading comics and has a worryingly large collection of Transformers figures. He'd like to think he's a gamer, but his Wii has been in a box since he moved to Sydney, and his PlayStation Vita collection is quite lacking. Most mornings you'll find him tilting at various windmills on Twitter - follow @JM77 and say hi!